Support for big Schomburgkia in tree

[strongcl]

Hello forum,

I purchased a house that has a beautiful, large old schomburgkia in a tree. When I moved in a year ago there was a large piece of the plant that had broken off, which I wired back up into the tree.

Recently the wood triangle that supports the orchid in the three-trunk tree gave way due to rot and termites. In addition to the wood support there were some odd pieces of wood and a plastic latticed tray across the triangle for support. Part of the orchid is attached to one of the trunks and doesn't need support. We have temporarily tied it up and braced the crumbling wood triangle.

We plan on rebuilding the triangle with pressure treated wood. I am considering using 1/2 inch metal mesh screening in the center of the triangle for support. I plan on trying to position it so it will attach to another trunk of the tree as the part growing up the other trunk seems happiest. I am not sure if I should put the detached piece back in this same area or put it somewhere else.

Will post photos, need to resize first.

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

[JDT]

If this was in my backyard I would support the plant directly to the tree and let it grow attaching to the tree. Pictures of the area in the tree will help. A good way to wrap the plant is with heavy gauge fishing line it will not harm the plant or tree.

[Chris in Hamilton]

I wouldn't advise using pressure treated. It doesn't rot because it's full of chemicals that could be toxic to the orchid. Use cedar or redwood.

[strongcl]

I would prefer not to break it up. Part is already attached to one branch of tree.

---------- Post Merged at 08:35 AM ----------

I was told that the new method of pressure treating wood is different and may not be a problem?

[ksriramkumar]

I concur with Jack and Chris. Would be better if we use a fishing line or a burlap to tie it to establish.

[Chris in Hamilton]

It is huge. Probably weighs 70-80 lbs. Does the tree have 3 or 4 trunks?

[strongcl]

Tree has 3 trunks. Attached is closeup pic of flower. I think it is a tibicinis, but it is very pink.

[moniluhum]

Wow!!! I read they get big,but never imagined. How old is it. If you don't mind can you give me the growing conditions??? I read they can take direct light and high temps.

[eorchids]

I think it is a tibicinis, but it is very pink.

The lip is wide open, maybe it is rather Myrmecophila grandiflora.
Wonderful plant.

Here is my grandiflora :

[moniluhum]

My goodness how more spectacle can a flower get. Striking